Cinderella is... the Male Lead? - Chapter 22
One sunny day, Rona stepped out of her room with a small crossbody bag. She was headed to the market square to buy dresses and underwear that would suit Cinderella. Instead of using the family fortune stored in the mansion’s treasury to take credit, she decided to use her own emergency stash.
Though she could have secretly taken money from the treasury without Cinderella knowing, she wanted to use her own money for this.
She kind of felt a bit uneasy leaving Cinderella behind, she thought it would be fine to inform the servant about her trip to the market.
‘Well, even if I have a chance to escape now, I won’t take it. I realize that if I run away, Cinderella might chase me to the ends of the earth.’
Sweat trickled down her temple as she recalled her earlier attempts to escape. Looking back, it was not a wise decision. Had she succeeded back then, Cinderella, with her magic, would have eventually found her and possibly slaughtered her. Cinderella, who could even command a necromancer’s army with her powerful magic, would never let an enemy who tormented her live peacefully.
‘Phew, that was a really reckless move. I didn’t value my life at all.’
Rona wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand and stepped onto the carpet at the mansion’s entrance. Suddenly, she felt a chill run down her spine. Turning around, she was startled to see Cinderella’s blue eyes staring directly at her. There had been no sign of her approach.
Was it because she had just imagined being slaughtered? The sudden appearance of Cinderella, without any sound, scared her. She unconsciously took a step back. Cinderella tilted her head, her beautiful features framed by a cold smile.
“Rona, where are you going?”
“Oh? Oh, um, just to the market to buy something…”
What could stop her from going to the market in broad daylight? Rona stammered, avoiding eye contact. Cinderella descended the stairs gracefully and blocked her path, shaking her head.
“You’ve hired new servants. What’s the point of having workers if you’re going to do everything yourself?”
“Well, uh, I want to buy some clothes for you. And I want to choose them myself.”
Rona, hesitating, finally admitted her intention. Who would dislike a gift meant for them?
Cinderella, on the other hand, was surprised by Rona’s unexpected answer. His eyes went wide.
On Rona’s part now, she couldn’t help but notice how Cinderella was stunningly beautiful even in her surprise. Her large almond-shaped eyes grew even larger, and her golden lashes fluttered, making the surroundings seem to sparkle as if sunlight was streaming in, even though they were indoors.
Rona found herself staring at Cinderella’s face, mesmerized. No matter how many times she looked, it never got old. Seeing a new expression made it even more thrilling. If only a pure smile, rather than a smirk or a sneer, would appear on that face—it would be truly enchanting. She wondered if she might ever see such a smile.
Lost in admiring Cinderella’s face, Rona was suddenly brought back to reality when Cinderella rolled her eyes and grabbed her slender arm.
“Oh, I see. In that case, let me come with you.”
“Uh? You too?”
Rona looked down at her arm, held by Cinderella. The feel of the large, rough hand didn’t match her delicate and beautiful face. It was a strange contrast that Rona had felt before when their hands had brushed.
When Rona looked up, Cinderella awkwardly intertwined their arms, avoiding eye contact. It was surprising to see someone usually so aloof linking arms. Rona glanced sideways at Cinderella, her eyes widening slightly.
‘Was she always this tall? I know I’m on the shorter side, but Cinderella seems really tall. She’s got quite a sturdy build too…’
She thought she would definitely lose if they fought. Not only did Cinderella have magic, but she also seemed physically formidable.
As Rona looked up at Cinderella, who was at least a head taller, she noticed that the tips of Cinderella’s ears seemed slightly flushed.
Both were wearing sleeveless dresses suitable for early summer, and as they linked arms, their bare skin touched. Rona glanced sideways. Cinderella’s arm was firm and thicker than hers, likely due to her strong build.
‘Having a pretty face must outweigh the disadvantages of a strong body,’ Rona mused.
With her beauty, who would notice anything else? The fact that Cinderella was willingly coming along to the market and had even initiated linking arms suggested she had opened up more than before. Though it was too soon to be certain.
As Cinderella moved forward, Rona awkwardly followed. Cinderella opened the mansion door and spoke nonchalantly.
“Why are you staring at me like that? You’re getting something for me. Isn’t it easier if I come along to choose?”
“Oh, uh, right. That makes sense.”
Cinderella must have noticed her observing gaze. Feeling embarrassed, Rona nodded vigorously.
In an awkward atmosphere, they boarded a carriage and headed to the market in the village square. Once they arrived, Rona walked side by side with Cinderella, their arms occasionally brushing against each other as they moved.
